2.6: Glossary
- Page ID
- 92146
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)To review common anatomical and directional terms, please see Chapter 1. Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System
Ampulla (of the uterine tube) - The middle portion of the uterine tube in which fertilization often occurs [2]
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) - A glycoprotein that causes regression of Müllerian ducts. It is produced by Sertoli cells of the testes. In the absence of this hormone, the Müllerian ducts develop into structures of the female reproductive tract. In males, defects of this hormone result in persistent Müllerian duct, a form of male pseudohermaphroditism. [3]
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - Hypothalamic hormone stored by the posterior pituitary that signals the kidneys to reabsorb water
Antrum - Fluid-filled chamber that characterizes a mature tertiary (antral) follicle [2]
Aromatase - An enzyme that catalyzes the desaturation (aromatization) of the ring A of C19 androgens and converts them to C18 estrogens. In this process, the 19-methyl is removed. This enzyme is membrane-bound, located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells of ovaries, placenta, testes, adipose, and brain tissues. [3]
Atresia - absence or abnormal narrowing of an opening or passage in the body
Atretic follicles
Blastocyst - A post-morula preimplantation mammalian embryo that develops from a 32-cell stage into a fluid-filled hollow ball of over a hundred cells. A blastocyst has two distinctive tissues. The outer layer of trophoblasts gives rise to extra-embryonic tissues. The inner cell mass gives rise to the embryonic disc and eventual embryo proper. [3]
Cervix - The elongate inferior end of the uterus, connected to the vagina. [2]
Cilia - Small appendages on certain cells formed by microtubules and modified for movement of materials across the cellular surface. [2]
Corpus albicans - Nonfunctional structure remaining in the ovarian stroma following structural and functional regression of the corpus luteum. [2]
Corpus luteum - Transformed follicle after ovulation that secrets progesterone. [2]
Cytokines - Non-antibody proteins, secreted by inflammatory leukocytes and some non-leukocytic cells, that act as intercellular mediators. They differ from classical hormones in that they are produced by a number of tissue or cell types rather than by specialized glands. They generally act locally in a paracrine or autocrine rather than endocrine manner. [3]
Cytoplasm - Internal material between the cell membrane and nucleus of a cell, mainly consisting of a water-based fluid called cytosol, within which are all the other organelles and cellular solute and suspended materials [2]
Decidual cells - Hyperplastic endometrial
Dopamine - One of the catecholamine neurotransmitters in the brain. It is derived from tyrosine and is the precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. [3]
Embyro - A group of blastocyst cells that will become an embryo and thus develop into a baby. [6]
Endocrine (gland) - Groups of cells that release chemical signals into the intercellular fluid to be picked up and transported to their target organs by blood. [6]
Endometrium - The inner lining of the uterus, part of which builds up during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and then sheds with menses. [2]
Epithelium (cuboidal, serosa, squamos) - Refers to layers of cells that line hollow organs and glands. It is also those cells that make up the outer surface of the body. [4]
Estradiol - The 17-beta-isomer of estradiol, an aromatized C18 steroid with hydroxyl group at 3-beta- and 17-beta-position. Estradiol-17-beta is the most potent form of mammalian estrogenic steroids. [3]
Estrogen - Class of predominantly female sex hormones important for the development and growth of the female reproductive tract, secondary sex characteristics, the female reproductive cycle, and the maintenance of pregnancy [2]
Exocrine (gland) - Group of epithelial cells that secrete substances through ducts that open to the skin or to internal body surfaces that lead to the exterior of the body. [6]
Fallopian tubes (uterine tubes or oviducts) - Ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus. [2]
Fertilization - Fertilization occurs when sperm and an oocyte combine. Because each of these reproductive cells is a haploid cell containing half of the genetic material needed to form a human being, their combination forms a diploid cell. This new single cell is called a zygote. [1]
Fimbriae - Fingerlike projections on the distal uterine tubes. [2]
Flagellum - Appendage on certain cells formed by microtubules and modified for movement
Follicle - Ovarian structure of one oocyte and surrounding granulosa (and later theca) cells. [2]
Follicular phase - Period of the menstrual cycle representing follicular growth, increase in ovarian estrogen (estrogens) production, and epithelial proliferation of the endometrium. Follicular phase begins with the onset of menstruation and ends with ovulation [3]
Folliculogenesis - Development of ovarian follicles from primordial to tertiary under the stimulation of gonadotropins. [2]
Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the production and maturation of sex cells. [2]
Fundus - Dome-shaped region of the stomach above and to the left of the cardia. [2]
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) - A decapeptide that stimulates the synthesis and secretion of both pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. GnRH is produced by neurons in the septum preoptic area of the hypothalamus and released into the pituitary portal blood, leading to stimulation of gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland. [3]
Granulosa - Supportive cells in the ovarian follicle that produce estrogen. [2]
Haploid ovum - contains a single copy of each chromosome with the sex chromosome always an X chromosome.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) - A gonadotropic glycoprotein hormone produced primarily by the placenta. Similar to the pituitary luteinizing hormone in structure and function, chorionic gonadotropin is involved in maintaining the corpus luteum during pregnancy. CG consists of two noncovalently linked subunits, alpha and beta. [3]
Hypothalamus - Major region of the diencephalon that is responsible for coordinating autonomic and endocrine control of homeostasis. [2]
Infundibulum (of the uterine tube) - the wide, distal portion of the uterine tube terminating in fimbriae. [2]
Inhibin - Hormone secreted by the gonads that inhibits FSH production by the anterior pituitary ischemia. [2]
Ischemia - insufficient blood flow to the tissues [2]
Isthmus - narrow, medial portion of the uterine tube that joins the uterus portion of the uterine tube terminating infimbriae. [2]
Lamina propria - areolar connective tissue underlying a mucous membrane. [6]
Luteal phase - The period in the menstrual cycle that follows ovulation, characterized by the development of the corpus luteum, an increase in progesterone production by the ovary, and secretion by the glandular epithelium of the endometrium. The luteal phase begins with ovulation and ends with the onset of menstruation. [3]
Luteinization - Formation of the corpus luteum. This process includes capillary invasion of the ruptured ovarian follicle, hypertrophy of the granulosa cells and the theca cells, and the production of progesterone. Luteinization is regulated by luteinizing hormone. [3]
Luteinizing hormone (LH) - The anterior pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and the production of ovarian hormones in females and the production of testosterone in males. [2]
Lumen - The interior of a tubular structure such as a blood vessel or a portion of the alimentary canal through which blood, chyme, or other substances travel luteinization meiosis. [2]
Meiosis - A type of cell nucleus division, occurring during maturation of the GERM CELLS. Two successive cell nucleus divisions following a single chromosome duplication (S phace) result in daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells. [3]
Menarche - First menstruation in a pubertal female. [2]
Menses - Shedding of the inner portion of the endometrium out trhough the vagina; also referred to as menstruation. [2]
Mesovarium - Extension of the peritoneum that connects the ovaries to the broad ligament. [2]
Myometrium - The smooth muscle layer of uterus that allows for uterine contractions during labor and expulsion of menstrual blood. [2]
Oocyte - A cell that results from the division of the oogonium and undergoes meiosis I at the LH surge and meiosis II at fertilization to become a haploid ovum [2]
Oogonia - Ovarian stem cells that undergo mitosis during female fetal development to form primary oocytes. [2]
Oogenesis - Process by which oogonia divide by mitosis to primary oocytes, which undergo meiosis to produce the secondary oocyte and, upon fertilization, the ovum. [2]
ovarian medulla
Ovary - female gonad that produces oocytes and sex steroid hormones (notably estrogen and progesterone). [2]
Ovum - A mature haploid female germ cell extruded from the ovary at ovulation. [6]
Ovulation - Release of a secondary oocyte and associated granulosa cells from an ovary. [2]
Oxytocin - Oxytocin injection is used to begin or improve contractions during labor. Oxytocin also is used to reduce bleeding after childbirth. It also may be used along with other medications or procedures to end a pregnancy. Oxytocin is in a class of medications called oxytocic hormones. It works by stimulating uterine contractions. [5]
Paraventricular nucleus (PVN) - Nucleus in the anterior part of the hypothalamus. [3]
Perimetrium - The outer epithelial layer of the uterine wall. [2]
Peritoneal cavity - The space enclosed by the peritoneum, divided into two portions, the greater sac and the lesser sac or omental bursa, which lies behind the stomach. The foramen of Winslow, or epiploic foramen, connects the two sacs. [3]
Pituitary gland (neuroohypophysis) - A bean-sized organ suspended from the hypothalamus that produces, stores, and secretes hormones in response to hypothalamic stimulation (also called hypophysis). [2]
Plasminogen activators - A heterogeneous group of proteolytic enzymes that convert plasminogen to fibrinolysin. They are concentrated in the lysosomes of most cells and in the vascular endothelium, particularly in the vessels of the microcirculation. [3]
Progesterone - A sex hormone important in regulating the reproductive cycle in those with ovaries and the maintenance of pregnancy. [2]
Saccular - Having the form of a sac
Serous (gland) - A group of cells within the serous membrane that secrete a lubricating substance onto the surface. [6]
Serous (membrane) - A type of tissue membrane that lines body cavities and lubricates them with serous fluid. [6]
Serous membrane (serosa) - A thin lining of closed cavities of the body, consisting of a single layer of squamous epithelial cells (mesothelium) resting on a thin layer of connective tissue and covered with secreted clear fluid from blood and lymph vessels. Major serous membranes in the body include the pericardium, peritoneum, and pleura. [3]
Somatotrophs (Growth Hormone (GH)) - Anterior pituitary cells that produce growth hormone. [3]
Sperm (also, spermatozoon) - The male gamete. [2]
Stratum basale - The deepest layer of the epidermis, made of epidermal stem cells. [6]
Stratum functionalis - a highly vascularized mucosal layer that undergoes monthly cyclical changes and is lost during menstruation
Stromal cells - Connective tissue cells of an organ found in the loose connective tissue. These are most often associated with the uterine mucosa and the ovary as well as the hematopoietic system and elsewhere.
Supraoptic nucleus (SO) - Hypothalamic nucleus overlying the beginning of the optic tract. [3]
Tertiary follicle (also, antral follicles) - Ovarian follicles with a primary or secondary oocyte, multiple layers of granulosa cells, and a fully formed antrum. [2]
Theca cells - Estrogen-producing cells in a maturing ovarian follicle. [2]
Tonic inhibition - A form of neurotransmission usually thought to reduce the excitability of all neurons
Tunica albuginea - the fibrous-elastic sheath of connective tissue that surrounds the shaft and glans of the clitoris
Uterine tubes (also, fallopian tubes or oviducts) - Ducts that facilitate transport of an ovulated oocyte to the uterus. [2]
Uterus - The muscular hollow organ in which a fertilized egg develops into a fetus. [2]
Vagina - The tunnel-like organ that provides access to the uterus for the insertion of semen and from the uterus for the birth of a baby. [2]
Zygote - The fertilized ovum resulting from the fusion of a male and a female gamete. [3]
References
- Nelson, Andrea and Katherine Greene. 2022. "1.18 Obstetrics". LibreTexts Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals. https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelv...%3A_Obstetrics
- Menefee, Whitney, Julie Jenks, Chiara Mazzasette, and Kim-Lelioni Nguyen. 2021. LibreTexts Human Anatomy (OERI). CC BY https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelv...ductive_System
- National Library of Medicine(NLM). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh?Db...BMeSH+Terms%5D
- A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Johns Creek (GA): Ebix, Inc., A.D.A.M.; c1997-2020. Nail abnormalities; [updated 2019 Jul 31; reviewed 2019 Apr 16; cited 2020 Aug 30]; [about 4 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003247.htm MedlinePlus. MedlinePlus.org. https://medlineplus.gov/ Public Domain
- AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2024. MedlinePlus Drugs and Supplements. https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html. Public Domain
- MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2020 Jun 24]. Heart attack; [updated 2020 Jun 10; reviewed 2016 Aug 25; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. "Fetal development." Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/heartattack.html